As the year ends, many businesses are not popping Champagne. They're trying to figure what to do in order to reduce their tax liability for next year. Are there any sure-fire (legal) methods to do this?

The standard deduction can be pretty sweet. Single people in 2014 can get $9,100, while married and filing jointly will net $12,400. The standard deduction isn't for everyone, though -- and it does affect what you might like to itemize.

It might seem cathartic to shred -- or even burn -- your tax paperwork after you've filed and paid the IRS every year. But don't. You need to hang onto much of that important documentation for years, just in case Uncle Sam comes knocking.

In 2012, more than 80 percent of tax returns resulted in cash back from the government. Those are pretty good odds. But refunds aren't instant. Here's how to track yours -- and here are a few tips on getting it faster.

The IRS isn't going to let you off on your taxes just because you pull a Thoreau and move to an environmentally friendly cabin in the woods. But you can save a little green thanks to your environmental efforts at tax time.

Since the estate tax can add big tax burdens to heirs of a wealthy deceased person, some tried to get around it by making bequests to relatives while they are still alive. Of course, the IRS is wise to that and came up with the gift tax.